"Just put your phone in it and close the lid. Block will block all incoming and outgoing signals, enabling you to be more present in the moment," said Block designer Ernst Koning, who argues that being offline has become a luxury.

"Two-thirds of the world's population has a smartphone. Moments without rings, pings, pushes and requests for responses have become rare," Koning continued.

"Block gives people a healthier relationship with their smartphones and a chance to reconnect with family and friends, get things done, or just switch off for a moment."

Koning's design can hold up to seven smartphones at a time

Block claims that its hexagonal case, which comes in yellow, black or green aluminium, is more effective than simply switching off the phone, as it removes the device from the user's sightline.

The brand says that recent studies show that even having your phone visibly nearby will distract you from real-life social engagement and reduce focus and brainpower.

As a next step, Block says it will start collaborating with photographers, animators, writers, sculptors, audio designers, and painters to address and reflect on the topic of being offline in an increasingly digital world.

The first collaboration will be with 3D-designer Tim van der Wiel and audio designers Kloaq.

Meanwhile, Serbian studio Alter Ego Architects designed a concept for a 3D-printed mobile phone with an interface that only features numbers and symbols, and has no apps to prevent users acting like "mindless zombies" while on their devices.

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Dezeen Daily is sent every day and contains all the latest stories from Dezeen.

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